Feral Oyster Donging – Tasman Council

July 28, 2019 @ 9:00 am - August 28, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Can you tell the difference between a Pacific oyster and our native Tasmanian oyster? Although delicious, Pacific oysters are not native to Tasmania. They have the potential to modify large areas of estuarine habitats and out-compete the native-oyster species. Join the Tasman Council on their feral pacific oyster control program during July and August. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. The art of the dong involves cracking the top of the shell of the feral oyster with a star picket (or similar), allowing crabs and other foreshore creatures to finish off the job.

Dates and venues

28th July (Sunday): 9am at Lime Bay camping ground car park

29th July (Monday): 10am at Parsons Bay by the boat ramp

13th August (Tuesday): 10am at Stewart’s Bay

14th August (Wednesday): 10am at Stinking Creek just past the bridge on the way to Roaring Beach

28th August (Wednesday): 10am at White beach by the Apex boat ramp

*It is important to register for this event, as dates/location may change based on weather.

What to bring

Gum boots. These are best! If you don’t have any,wetsuit booties or other footwear that can get wet will suffice

Warm clothing. Keep in mind it may get splattered by oyster goo

Gloves

Eye protection (if using a hammer for donging). Prescription glasses will be fine

A favourite tool to whack a feral oyster with. Some star pickets (the best tool) and hammers will be supplied

Spare clothes, in case you get wet

If you would like to attend, or if you have any questions, please contact John Hueston at the Tasman Council.

You can reach him on 0477 719 711 or at john.hueston@tasman.tas.gov.au